So happy for you! I looked up that youtube video of your bike earlier today when I saw this update. I just had to see it in action and remember the early days when I was looking for a Commando and got all fired up when I saw this youtube video of this guys with a fully restored cNw Commando. I immediately knew that I wanted a yellow one like it. I ended up with an unadultered Combat, and a similarly fitted red 850. That signature on the oil tank from Matt is priceless and so very cool! And to own that very same bike that was in that video is extra special, at least to me it is. Can't wait to see postings of your first start and first ride!
Congratulations, and happy early Christmas in July!
Thanks very much. Honestly it still hasn’t really sunk in just yet. As I await NOC age related registration approval and then DVLA issue said reg and having a plate made (so weeks rather than days
) I’ve spent much of my first week getting the bike nearer to the finish Matt so lovingly created. Bill Greene certainly rode rather than closeted it and it had a few battle scars but honestly they are trivial but the ridiculously high bar set by Matt focuses one’s mind.
Today I removed the tank (empty) to get better access to the tappet covers and head-steady and to deep clean the head and barrels.
This was the moment I decided it was time for my first start up. Having sumped over the months since I bought it I drained the oil and headed off to my local petrol station for a gallon of E5 with a can. I’d previously charged the Shorai lithium battery.
Time to fire him up. Well the battery was tough and the engine cranked well but it took at least 8-10 goes to get it to go. Once started I increased the idle on the FCR 35s to get it to idle and then killed it. From this point it would start immediately so I guess it was just the carbs filling up.
F*$k me, it’s bloody loud!!! No sneaking out at dawn on this one. I’ve seen many Commandos recently especially so at Sammy Millars Norton day in May and none bar a custom bike were as vocal as this.
Next step is the first ride and it’s even more of a first for me, it’ll be my first Commando ride ever; yep I not only bought this bike but any Commando, blind. I like you was totally in awe of the bike in that video and to find it for sale on Matt’s sight was as big a moment for me as when I first clapped eyes and then test drove a Lotus Elise; just had to have it. Unbelievably #101 cost the same albeit 25 years between them.
Can’t wait to loose my Norton virginity but will definitely be taking things very steady to get a feel for him.